Bangkok will still be open for business for tourists despite threats of a shutdown by anti-government protesters, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has promised.

Those demonstrating against the government have threatened to shut down the city by blocking all main roads in the capital from Monday January 13, ahead of general elections due on February 2.

But the TAT has reassured travellers that 'much of the city will still be open for business and accessible, both for locals and tourists.'

Getting ready: Anti-government protesters have staged warm-up marches ahead of the Bangkok shutdown on January 13

Despite road closures, special lanes will be provided for tourist buses and protesters have promised not to disrupt public infrastructure, including city buses and vans, water-transport, BTS skytrain, MRT subway, Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link.

The city's main attractions and historical sights, including the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, will be open as normal, as will shops and banks, the TAT confirmed.

The worsening political situation and ensuing protests have seen tourism in the Thai capital affected since November, with the TAT estimating a four to five per cent decline in visitor numbers for the first quarter of 2014 if demonstrations continue.

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However, the TAT has taken to its blog to reassure holidaymakers who already have their travel booked that Bangkok will remain open for business.

It stated: 'Tourists can travel to Bangkok and around the city. The protesters are targeting government buildings only and so there should be no disruption to tourist attractions and local businesses.

'However, tourists are advised to be vigilant and avoid areas where crowds may gather.'

Open for business: Tourists will still be able to visit sights such as the Grand Palace during the shutdown

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has also said the shutdown will not target tourists, who would be allowed to travel freely to and from airports.

'We will allow tour buses to use a single traffic lane that will be opened for buses, emergency services and ambulances,' he said.

The capital's two airports will be open and operating, but holidaymakers have been warned to leave extra time to travel to the hubs.

In a bid to combat any issues that may arise, the TAT said that airlines have made arrangements to open check-in desks up to four hours before departure to allow earlier check-in. It asks travellers to check directly with their airline for further information.

In discussing how to deal with the capital's shutdown, industry leaders have also suggested setting up 'Tourist Friends Centres' in the city's principal locations to offer information to travellers.

On what is being dubbed 'Black Monday', 150 volunteers will be on hand to help tourists; taxi boats, buses and vans will be available to help with transport if needed.

Holidaymakers who are still concerned about their visit to Bangkok are urged to contact the TAT London office on 0207 925 2511 or info@tourismthailand.co.uk, or to speak to TAT representatives on the ground in the capital upon arrival.

Disruption: The protests will shut down the main roads in Bangkok and are expected to cause problems for those trying to navigate the city

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has also issued advice to tourists, warning: 'Political demonstrations continue in and around Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand. Some of these have been violent, including the use of firearms, and there have been casualties.'

It continues: 'The situation is unpredictable, and further protests are expected. There have been calls for an increase in protest action from 13 January, which may cause major disruption to travel on main roads in and around Bangkok.

'You should take extra care and avoid all protests, political gatherings and demonstrations. Monitor local news and social media for developments.'

The wave of protests began in November when the government tried to force
through a political amnesty bill that would have let former premier
Thaksin Shinawatra - brother of current caretaker prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra - return from a self-imposed exile without
serving jail time for corruption.

While Shinawatra has called for an election for February 2, protesters say she will probably win on the back of support in the rural north and northeast. Instead they are calling for her to step down and be replaced by an appointed 'people's council' to push through electoral reforms.